Chemo II was a pretty good day. We knew the routine. It didn't seem nearly as medieval as the first time. The IV stands were just IV stands and not pikes dangling implements of torture (although you could still argue........). Familiar faces, caring staff and a remarkably upbeat atmosphere in this large open room with 20+ cancer patients made it easier. Diane cruised through the day, ate a good meal afterwards at our nearby Mexican cantina and is now tucked into bed.
The overall game plan has however changed. The liter of fluid drawn from Diane's chest cavity last Friday registered cancer cells and Dr. Rushing confirmed under Diane's cross examination this morning that there are likely tumors in the thoracic lining. This means she will stay on the intravenous chemotherapy in order to fight cancer both in the chest and the abdomen. Inserting the port into her abdomen for direct infusion of chemo into the open spaces of "the lower half" is on hold for now.
Diane also pressed Rushing for the numbers. So that you all know, here they are: Her cancer is now classed Stage IV (they are categorized Stages I - IV; she was formerly IIIC). Chances of complete cure are now less than 10%. Survivability is in the 18 months to 36 months range (formerly 3 years to 5 years). These are of course averages and Diane is visualizing rowing crew, with Valarie setting the pace as stroke, and steering clear headed for that thin channel, that 10% of the river.
The chemo day closed with the good news that the tumor marker (CA-125) measure for Diane dropped slightly through the first chemo session, from 298 to 288. Small movement but in the right direction. The doc was happy with it and so are we.
Thanks so much for your concern, love and support. We are buoyed by you all.
Jeff
Traffic Cones and Cardboard Box Cake
2 months ago
3 comments:
Requests for another Bonbon box? Flavor preferences? Uncle Jeff I understand the peanut butter is a favorite for you, any others?
I think I only have 18 flavors to choose from. If I plan a box for when my parents are there I know what to send for them.
My thoughts are with you all and as always clammoring for ideas of what I can possibly do to help.
I know the narrow tunnel of your metaphor. I grew up canoeing, later did some white-water kayaking. You just gave me a visualization I can sink into. I'll be here focusing on it with you. When rocks loom ahead, choose the path between them, using the water. The water will create a cushion over the sharp edges. And when the boat rolls, stay calm, line your paddle up against the side of the boat, and roll back up.
Please, if there's anything I can do, let me know -- either from here or down there.
Diane has given me so much support, joy, wisdom (she probably has little idea of the impact she's made on my life -- and not just my writing life), and I know what a strong spirit she has. She's gifted at weaving thoughts and words to create the stories that will sustain her. She'll find that path.
Thanks for letting us all be a part of your community. Hand over what you can, and know we're all here holding you. We can watch your boat when you rest in the eddies. And we can send energy to help keep you all afloat.
Take care of each other...
Well Its been a busy week for me now that i'm fully emersed in school again! Hoping next week will settle down a bit after my Midterm tomorrow! Then i'll be able to get those pictures uploaded so everyone can see the 2 baldies! ;-)
Its been a cold week i must say. i've had to wear my beanie all week to keep my bare head cold.
Well to the point in all of this.
Tammy I like the peanut butter ones and the poppyseed ones ;-)
I must say i'm rather upset at the seeming lack of foresite from the doctors to bother and check your upper cavity for cancer!
If this means we lost an opportunity to have a fully effective surgery by debulking all that they could. That's not good. And further more we will need to find out if this means a second surgery is in order or if its going to delay the effects of the chemo.
So I know we have many more questions to get answered as a result of this!
I've been doing some reading about statistics in relation to Staging as well. and i've seen a whole slew of #'s ranging from 5%-17% for Stage IV patients to reach a 5year mark.
Here's an article about a variety of treatments that have been tested at various degrees.
http://patient.cancerconsultants.com/CancerTreatment_Ovarian_Cancer.aspx?LinkId=54005
I'm not sure which chemo med's your on exactly but it'd be interesting to see what other options there may be which may have better results.
- Jesse -
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